BRYN MAWR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aqua America Chairman and CEO Chris Franklin has been recognized by EY with its Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2019 award in the public services and utilities category for Greater Philadelphia. As the world’s most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs, Entrepreneur Of The Year recognizes business leaders who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities, while also transforming our world. Franklin was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented to Aqua leadership at a gala event in Philadelphia.
“I am honored to be recognized by EY with this prestigious award, alongside many other innovative business leaders in the Greater Philadelphia region,” said Franklin. “I gratefully accept this award on behalf of our dedicated team of employees across eight states. Each employee embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and drive recognized by this award and strives to bring value to our customers, shareholders and communities each and every day. This award really belongs to Aqua’s talented team.”
Franklin was recognized for his successful leadership in the utility industry for many years, including his innovative vision in leading Aqua's strategy to acquire natural gas distributor Peoples in October 2018, expanding Aqua’s geographical reach and diversifying its service portfolio.
As a Greater Philadelphia award winner, Franklin is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2019 National Awards. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, Calif., on November 16, 2019. The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.
Now in its 33rd year, EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year program encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the only global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities and more than 60 countries.
Aqua America (NYSE: WTR) is the second-largest publicly traded water utility based in the U.S., and serves more than 3 million people in Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois, Texas, New Jersey, Indiana and Virginia. Visit AquaAmerica.com for more information, or follow Aqua on Facebook at facebook.com/MyAquaAmerica and on Twitter at @MyAquaAmerica.
WTRG